Rich Man's Woe

An Infernal Delicacy

Aeons ago, the first Mandrakes appeared in the barren soil of dreary Desolia. Believed to be distantly related to parsnips, it is unclear how they first reached this hellish land. By feeding off trace nutrients and the malevolent energy that permeates everywhere on Sarundel, they were able to eke out a meagre existence in a near-lifeless place. However, the innate magic of Desolia transformed them. Fleeting vestiges of the damned became intertwined with their very being, corrupting them into what they are now: plants that scream.

Whilst this screech can paralyze anyone nearby when the Mandrake is pulled from the soil, the fiends of Desolia discovered a way to harvest the plant. Through coercion, they could compel condemned souls to pluck Mandrakes from the soil whilst they waited out of earshot. They knew that it was suicidal to do so, but it was a far better option than to disobey a Devil. Once all of the plants had been harvested or all of the shades had been paralyzed, whichever came first, the fiends would collect the crop. Their workers would either be left to the mercy of scavengers and the elements, or taken away for further torment.

Although fiends do not require food to survive, many still enjoy eating. Mandrakes are a popular ingredient on Desolia, often being used in stews or as a garnish for many meat-based dishes. It is thought that fell cultists and sinister mages first brought Mandrakes to the material plane after enjoying banquets shared with their dark masters, but the truth is uncertain. What is known, however, is that the Mandrake is now a popular delicacy in certain circles. Due to the scarcity of the plant, and the difficulty of farming it, it is only affordable to the very wealthy.

A Miserable Malady

Despite the pleasant flavour of well-cooked Mandrake, it is still undeniably a product of hellish Sarundel. Regardless of how well the vegetable is prepared, excessive consumption can lead to an ailment known as Rich Man's Woe. Its name is quite self-explanatory, deriving from the severe despondency it inflicts on the sufferer, and that the majority of those who contract this disease are aristocrats. The early stages of the malady are coloured by perpetual tiredness and an aversion to light, both of which push the infected individual towards self-inflicted seclusion. If Rich Man's Woe is diagnosed in this stage, it is easily cured by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

As the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult to cure and the symptoms worsen. It is at this stage where the wailing begins. Waves of intense sorrow wash over the afflicted, causing them to audibly wallow in despair. The general consensus amongst well-versed doctors is that the disease is brought on by consuming the misery that is tied into the very fabric of the Mandrake. Many patients become unable to speak coherently. This stage of the ailment tends to last the longest, usually averaging over a year before developing to its final stage. Before it was fully understood, those suffering from the disease would often be exiled so as not to bring shame to their families and spare them from the incessant lamenting. Some cruel dynasties maintain this practice.

In its final stage, the afflicted begins to weep constantly. Whilst the sorrow exacerbates the tears, it is not the sole reason. Like many fearful diseases, Rich Man's Woe inevitably kills its host. It forces the victim to cry all of the moisture out of their body until they succumb to dehydration. Hauntingly, many who die to this malady are discovered curled up in a ball with their hands pressed against their faces; the last memento of a futile attempt to stop the tears. Those who perish from Rich Man's Woe often transform into banshees, so even their souls may not know peace.